By Genalyn Kabiling
Members of the House of Representatives, not President Duterte, would make the ultimate decision on the selection of their Speaker, Malacañang declared Monday in the wake of reports a term-sharing arrangement might be derailed.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo (PCOO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President would not meddle in the House affairs, including the term-sharing plan between Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.
"As far as the President is concerned, he does not want to interfere in any act or measure or activity in a co-equal branch," he said during a news conference at the Palace.
He explained that the term-sharing arrangement between Cayetano and Velasco was a mere suggestion from the President after some lawmakers sought his guidance.
"The only reason why he made a proposal is because his suggestion was sought by those contending persons for the Speakership," he said. "Natapos na iyong papel ni Presidente doon eh ," he added.
He insisted that it was now up to the lawmakers to choose their own leader. "Again that is between the members of Congress. We will not interfere," he added.
Cayetano recently claimed that it was up to President Duterte if he would lead the House beyond the 15 months he was given under a term-sharing deal with Velasco. He said he would follow the President's instructions on the matter.
Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. earlier reportedly said such arrangement could be set aside given Cayetano's soaring public trust and approval ratings.
Last July, President Duterte in efforts to help end the infighting in the speakership race proposed  that Cayetano serve as Speaker in the first 15 months while Velasco will take over for the next 21 months.
Duterte admitted that he endorsed Cayetano because the Taguig congressman was the first contender who sought his endorsement. Cayetano served as Foreign Affairs Secretary after he lost in the vice presidential race in 2016.
He denied that he was interfering with the affairs of Congress, saying he was only endorsing leaders and not meddling in their legislative work.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo (PCOO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President would not meddle in the House affairs, including the term-sharing plan between Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.
"As far as the President is concerned, he does not want to interfere in any act or measure or activity in a co-equal branch," he said during a news conference at the Palace.
He explained that the term-sharing arrangement between Cayetano and Velasco was a mere suggestion from the President after some lawmakers sought his guidance.
"The only reason why he made a proposal is because his suggestion was sought by those contending persons for the Speakership," he said. "Natapos na iyong papel ni Presidente doon eh ," he added.
He insisted that it was now up to the lawmakers to choose their own leader. "Again that is between the members of Congress. We will not interfere," he added.
Cayetano recently claimed that it was up to President Duterte if he would lead the House beyond the 15 months he was given under a term-sharing deal with Velasco. He said he would follow the President's instructions on the matter.
Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. earlier reportedly said such arrangement could be set aside given Cayetano's soaring public trust and approval ratings.
Last July, President Duterte in efforts to help end the infighting in the speakership race proposed  that Cayetano serve as Speaker in the first 15 months while Velasco will take over for the next 21 months.
Duterte admitted that he endorsed Cayetano because the Taguig congressman was the first contender who sought his endorsement. Cayetano served as Foreign Affairs Secretary after he lost in the vice presidential race in 2016.
He denied that he was interfering with the affairs of Congress, saying he was only endorsing leaders and not meddling in their legislative work.